Nabid predators as new biocontrol agents for greenhouse crops

In nature, nabid predators are common natural enemies of economically important pests like aphids, spider mites, psyllids, thrips and tarnished plant bugs. As part of a project on the development of new biocontrol agents for North American greenhouse crops, three nabid species, Nabis americoferus, Nabis roseipennis and Hoplistoscelis pallescens, were collected and evaluated for their potential use in greenhouse floriculture and vegetable IPM programs. In the laboratory, their predation rate was assessed on common greenhouse pests such as aphids, thrips, whiteflies and spider mites compared to the commercially available mirid predator Dicyphus hesperus. Their bionomics (development time, fecundity, longevity etc.) were determined when fed Ephestia kuehniella eggs. In greenhouse trials, their performance was determined on sweet pepper plants infested with multiple pests.

Based on these trials, we will choose which of the nabids will be retained for further development as a biocontrol agent. Future evaluations will include compatibility with other biocontrol agents, use of supplemental food or banker plants to promote predator establishment, their potential to cause crop damage and if needed, mass rearing methods will be developed.